The Exchange Variation, Symmetrical Line is a variation of the Slav Defense, catalogued as ECO D14. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. cxd5 cxd5 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. Bf4 Bf5, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves. The c-file file is fully open.
On the Slav Defense generally: A solid defense to the Queen's Gambit. Black supports d5 with c6 while keeping the bishop active.
You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.
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The Exchange Variation, Symmetrical Line goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. cxd5 cxd5 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. Bf4 Bf5. It is a variation of the Slav Defense and is catalogued as ECO D14.
The Exchange Variation, Symmetrical Line is ECO D14. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Slav Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. cxd5 cxd5 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. Bf4 Bf5 at +0.31 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move. The c-file file is fully open.